Miss Running in my Toe Shoes

As soon as I get home from work, I kick the shoes off and I put on my flip flops or just walk around barefoot. That right there must send some sort of signal to my brain, that it’s time to relax a bit. Sometimes I’ll change completely and throw on some shorts and a tank top.

During the weekend, I typically wear my flip flops. I’m not one to care about how I dress. Just ask anyone that knows me. I have a decent sized backyard. A couple of days ago I ran from one point in the backyard to the house. As I ran that short distance, it reminded me how much I miss minimalist/barefoot running. It felt good. It felt natural.

When I decided to enlist, I knew I had to give up this form of running and learn how to run again. I had to become….omg I don’t even want to say it….I had to become…a shod runner. (bows head in sadness)

It was quite a challenge. I really had to take it slow because I would trip over myself. I paid some bucks and went to a running store to purchase flat running shoes. Meaning, shoes that do not have any arch support. I know. I know. Some of you are probably cringing right now….but if you couldn’t tell, this is still a barefoot/minimalist running blog.

While at reception, they MADE us buy new shoes. We stepped on a light box and the SGT would tell us what type of shoe we needed to purchase. I knew right then and there that I was just gonna blow a hundred bucks out of my advanced pay. I put the shoes on and they hurt SO bad. I tried to break them in, but my feet would just cramp. I felt so bad for my poor footsies. They know what they like to run in.

Luckily when we finally reached actual basic, my drill sergeants let us use our own running shoes. That made the world of difference. In a place where most people referred to as Hell, I felt like I was in Heaven. I was so thankful to be able to wear my already broken in running shoes that I’ve been training in for 2 months prior.

So yep, I do. I do miss running barefoot and in minimalist shoes (Vibrams and sandals). I have yet to purchase a pair of huarachas. I’ve ran on my treadmill barefoot, but noticed that my feet got tore up pretty easily because it’s been so long since I’ve ran barefoot. So I sometimes run in socks. But I think it would be good to get out on a trail and bring the Vibrams out of hiding. When living in the suburbs I could easily run barefoot, but not here in the country. Way too many rocks and gravel….OUCH!

Right Foot Numbs During Runs

I noticed this while on a run through the 5k route I found. My goal was 2 miles that day. By about a mile and a half or so, I noticed that my right foot began to numb. Then it got worse. I didn't want to stop because I was on a mission to reach 2 miles, so I kept on truckin. It started to feel like a stump and I began to hobble on it. My left leg and foot were pretty much doing all the work as I was trying to just quickly land on my right foot. I really wanted to stop, but I told myself I'd make it to the stop sign at the intersection. I made it and stopped runmeter. Although I should have looked at my distance prior to stopping runmeter (I was only at 1.91 instead of 2 miles) I knew I would've been able to hobble the .09miles to reach my goal. Oh well.

So I walked and the numbness went away. That was SO weird and it kinda freaked me out. What the heck would cause that? I was completely boggled. I've never felt this before. I've been running my Vibrams for a good 8 months now, and have ran in them in three 5k's. Hmmm.

The location where I stopped running was about a mile from home. It was going to take forever to walk back home. After walking for about 7 minutes or so, I decided to run for a bit. I ran a half mile, got tired and stopped. No numbness during that little run. I walked the rest of the way home. I stretched a lot to avoid any other type of soreness. The rest of the the day, I was still annoyed at what had happened.

2 Days Later
My mother in law was visiting, so i took advantage of her presence and ran outside in the morning. This way someone was at home while my son was still asleep. I ran in my monkey shoes around the neighborhood this time. And once again, after a mile, my right foot started to numb. Now I was getting really annoyed. WTH?! Here I am trying to increase my distance and now I can't run further than a mile without a numb foot. This was VERY disappointing.

During the week I started looking into what might be causing this. Possibilities were:
- a pinched nerve
- slacking off on my form and pounding my foot on the ground
- tight shoelaces

I chopped it up to slacking on my form, so I went running in my neighborhood again this past weekend. Again in my Vibrams. And yes, it did it again. Are you kidding me? I even tried wiggling my toes during the run as some suggested in the forum, but it didn't prevent the numbing.

Then I thought that maybe my right foot got wider/flatter, which is quite normal for minimalist runners. I think it was only my right foot because it was already lacking an arch. And of course while running, the foot gets warm and expands even more. So I had to test this theory.

The Test
I ran barefoot the following day. It had been so long since I ran barefoot. Probably since last year before the weather started to cool. I ran over a mile and my foot did not numb on me. Ok, that confirms it, my foot got wider. But now what do I do? I can't just order one Vibram.

Hubby told me to run in my Vibrams one more time before I go out and purchase something else. So that's the plan this weekend.

Today I did some research and read up on reviews of different variations of huaraches. I wanted my feet to be free so they're able to expand if needed. I thought about the Luna Sandals or the Invisible Shoe, but honestly, I am too lazy to deal with the tying methods. I have my eyes set on either the Unshoe, Bedrock or Branca. I'm a bit low on funds, so it's going to be at least another week before I can order a pair.

Besides Vibrams and running barefoot, what other minimalistic shoes have you tried?

Longing To Run Barefoot

I ran barefoot on the treadmill today. It's been a while since I've done so. Whether outside or on the treadmill, I've been wearing my Vibrams. Well it's been cold as heck outside. Not to mention icky and rainy. 

After running on the treadmill, I've noticed later in the day that my feet had a tiny tingling sensation. It lasted a good part of the morning. It made me aware that I really need to do more barefoot running. We have laminate, tile and hardwood floors in the house and that gets pretty cold to walk on. I can stand it to a point, but often wear shoes to keep the footsies warm.

I miss the sun. 

I miss the feeling of warm concrete and asphalt under my feet. 

I miss having the option to run outside with naked feet. 

I think I miss it more because I just learned an old neighbor who moved away recently, runs barefoot. He came by to visit this past weekend. Not only does he run barefoot, but his teenage son does as well. The sun came out for a bit on Monday. He and his son raced barefoot down the street. And they were haulin' some major arse. Then his little 4 year old wanted to race too. He ripped off his shoes and raced his old man. I just kept thinking how perfect the little boy's form was, still having young feet that haven't been tampered much with crappy shoes. Man, I wish I would've known about their barefootedness earlier.

Ya see? You just never know what you'll learn about people.

So You Wanna Run, eh?

Ah, it's the start of a new year. I think many new year resolutions focus on getting into shape. The gyms are packed because everyone is gung ho on their new adventure. Some will change their diet, while others will weight train, some will take yoga classes, and some will start running. This is a running blog, so let's talk about running. So you wanna start running huh?

How do you start running?

Whether you're a newbie runner, or an ex-runner trying to get back into the game, you will need to take it slow. I used to HATE running with the passion. I was never good at it. I was never able to run more than 2 minutes at a time. And by the time those 2 minutes were up I would be huffing and puffing like crazy. You see, no one ever taught me how to run. I was under the impression that you just went out and did it. I assumed that some were just born to run. But boy was I wrong.

A friend told me about this running program for newbies. It's called Couch to 5k, and I HIGHLY recommend it. HIGHLY. I witnessed how much weight he was losing, and how long he was able to run. Being overweight myself, I finally gave it a whirl. I started running back in July of 2010. It starts off slow so you get used to the activity. After completing the program, you will be amazed at how far and how long you are able to run. I'd love to hear how the program worked for you.

When do you run?

This depends on your schedule. Are you a morning person, or an evening person? I decided that what worked out for me was running in the morning. For me, that sets the rest of my day. By the time I get home from work I am MUCH too busy and tired to do anything else. In the morning, I literally roll out of bed, change into some old shorts and a t-shirt, and go on my run.

Where do you run?

Are you a gym rat or a homebody? Do you prefer to run inside or outside? This also depends on when you schedule your runs. I used to be a gym rat, but the gyms aren't open when I run. And I realized that I enjoy running outside, so outside it is. Now, I do have a treadmill at home. I purchased it because I knew I wouldn't be able to run outside in the rain. Well, I prefer not to. But if you're into that, by all means, GO FOR IT!

Do I need to buy special running shoes?

This is a tough one for me because I am a minimalist shoe runner. I also run barefoot in my neighborhood. I know! It sounds crazy. But I'm not the only one doing this. I had a friend who ran for years. Well, until the pain was too much to handle. Many shod runners (runners who wear running shoes) experience lower back pain, aching knees and shin splints. I thought running was supposed to be fun, so I didn't want to experience those symptoms. From the beginning I decided that I was not going to wear running shoes, and it's been a blast for me.

Now there are some shod runners who do not experience these aches and pains. They have learned to run in shoes without doing a heel strike. One form is called The Pose Method. Another one is called Chi Running. I have not read either of these books yet, but have read blogs about those who have used these techniques. I did read the book Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. It does not focus on technique, but is an interesting book about running.

So if you're going to be a shod runner, I suggest you to go to a running specialty store such as Road Runner Sports or Fleet Feet and get properly fitted for shoes. Here's a post from Coyote Running in southern California regarding getting fitted for shoes.

What other gear do I need?

You'll have to play with this one. Some just go out and run without any gear. Running is a pretty minimalist activity. Me? Well I enjoy listening to music, so I went to WalMart and bought an arm band to hold my iPhone, and a set of headphones that wrapped around my ears. I also downloaded Robert Ullrey's podcasts. He tells you when to walk and when to run. It's like having a running coach right there with you.

What if I feel like quitting?

Think of why you started running in the first place. What was your motivation?

• To lose those donut rolls off your waist. 
• To improve your health. 
• Increase activity in your life.
• To build endurance.
• To run a marathon.

We invest so much time in other aspects of our lives that we forget to take care of the most important thing we own, our own bodies. What helped me was writing a blog to journal my progress. I told my friends and family about it. I signed up for twitter and dailymile to connect with others. And I read blogs from other runners. I put myself out there so I would be held accountable for my actions. There is a lot of support in the running world. It does get easier as you incorporate running into your life as a daily activity such as brushing your teeth, taking a shower, eating breakfast and so forth.

Running is FUN! It's liberating! It's addicting! Our bodies are awesome machines. And when you run that first race, you'll finally understand what I mean. I still consider myself a newbie runner, but if you have any questions I'll try my best to assist.

For more motivation and tips, visit RunAddicts.

Happy running!

My Feet Tell Me What Shoes They Like

As I mentioned before, I've always enjoyed walking around barefoot at home. But I would also wear all sorts of different shoes and sandals outside. Some with more cushion than others. Like most people, I really didn't know that less cushion is better for your feet. Many would still disagree with this, but I'm not here to convince you - just to inform you of what I've learned.

It's been about 3 months since I began re-training my foot muscles. When I started the c25k program I knew I didn't want to wear running shoes and it really worked out for me. It was not until I got my Vibrams when I really started to think about minimalist shoes and going barefoot. Since then I've noticed quite a change on which type of footwear my feet prefer. It's as if my feet are talking to me.

If I'm not walking barefoot in the house or outside, then I wear shoes that have thin soles. My favorite pair to wear now are my old Airwalks. They look exactly like chucks, but they're by Airwalk. 

Earlier this month I had to get gussied up to attend my brother in law's graduation. It was a pretty formal event, so I had to wear fancy shoes to go with my dress. It had about a 1.5 - 2 inch heel and my feet were screaming. The toes were getting squished. I couldn't wait to get to the table so I could take the shoes off. We had to stand up and sit down throughout the night's ceremony. And of course each time I had to leave the table I had to put my shoes back on. There was a time when my foot wouldn't slip into the shoe anymore. It's as if it told me that it had had it with those darn shoes. Just look at them!

 my poor toes were cramped, sorry guys

 I feel pain just looking at this heel

I had to force it in. As soon as we got to our hotel at the end of the night, I kicked those darn shoes off and walked around barefoot. My feet thanked me. So yeah, I'm still no Carrie Bradshaw.

The other day I dressed up all in white to participate in my company's Spirit Week. I have a pair of white Easy Spirits that went well with my attire. Unfortunately my foot, the one that had the injured toe, did not like that shoe at all. I'd step a certain way or what not, and it would ache. I felt it several times that day. I couldn't wait to go home to take off my shoes. The next few days I wore my Airwalks and my foot was fine.

my easy spirits

I looked at my inventory of shoes and realized that my feet are only happy wearing 4 particular pairs of shoes.

My Vibram KSO's. My toe shoes. My monkey feet shoes. Whatever you want to call them, they are comfortable.

My Airwalks.

My sandals.

And these Cayden Sport Casual shoes by Predictions. They have quite a thin sole and my feet love 'em. Hop over to your Payless Shoe Source and try them on.

So I think it's time for me to donate my other shoes and get more chucks/Airwalks and Predictions shoes. See you at Payless Shoe Source.

A Runner Once Again - YES!

I RAN YESTERDAY! 
I did. I really truly did. Yippie! It was awesome. I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I strapped on my Vibrams and hopped on the treadmill. 

• walked for 2min
• RAN for 5min
• walked for 2min
• RAN for 3min
• walked for 5min

Yes, I know. I only ran for 8 minutes total. But I did it! Boy of boy. It has been a super long several weeks I tell ya. I went through so many different emotions during this time. 

 Envious -  I was envious of those who were running longer and faster.

Frustrated - Frustrated at the fact that it was taking so long for a stubbed toe to heal.

Mad - Mad at myself for being so clumsy and getting hurt in the first place.

Annoyed - Annoyed at the fact that I had to miss out on my first Turkey Trot.

Depressed - Due to that fact that I would have to start all over and build up my endurance again.

Sad - Sad because something that made me happy was missing in my life.

Who knew that running would make me feel like this? It was quite a roller coaster of emotions. Some days were better than others. But I'm glad to FINALLY be over this ride. I am back! And I can't wait to start logging the miles again.

During this time, I learned....

- how to deal with my emotions
- that I needed to find a way to see things in a positive light
- be patient
- how important it is to cross train
- WATCH WHERE I'M GOING !!!!

I am going to take it slow. (a lesson that is constantly being thrown in my face) It's going to be hard, but it's a price I must pay. In a few months I'll be up to my old speed and distance, which wasn't that impressive to start with, but was  for me personally. I am now in a place where I can start thinking about runs I want to do next year. Maybe even starting off with a run with my friend Sherry.

My Vibram Buddy

Status On My Foot
So it's been a week since I started walking on the treadmill. I'd push it a bit doing a faster walk with a form that's similar to how I run. I actually jogged for a few minutes this last go round. The foot itself feels fine, but the toe feels a tab bit weird as I lift it off the ground (treadmill). Still has a bit of soreness which is frustrating. But still, I'm walking barefoot as much as possible and doing barefoot activities to keep my foot muscles strong. While in the parking garage in my Airwalks, or even barefoot at home, I'll do a bit of sprint here and there. My body is still aching to run. I'll continue to walk on the treadmill and evaluate the foot again this week. Stay tuned!

Vibram Buddies!
Next month, I plan to visit my good friend Sherry who has returned to running thanks to her new Vibrams. She stopped running because she was experiencing all those awful aches and pains that shod runners face. To stay active she would walk. But walking was boring for her, and she would end up running. And of course, the cycle continues and she would be in pain again. Sherry started doing more hikes locally and during her travels abroad.

I am hoping that during my visit, our Vibrams can meet. LOL Do you have a Vibram buddy? I am hoping to go for a run with her. That is yet to be determined. Stay tuned!

My First Race Next Year?
I haven't really thought about next year's races. I have been reading that many are getting excited and signing up for them. But with somewhat of a bum toe, I didn't want to depress myself. There are several races around Lake Merritt, and I asked Sherry if she wanted to one of the 5k's with me. She gladly agreed, and that's the only race I've really thought about so far.

It will be fun to run with a friend. I won't be going for PR, but for fun. I've never ran with anyone before. I do all my runs solo. I think it's because I'm slow. That's one reason why I haven't checked into any running groups in my area. Heck, I have no idea if I'd be able to talk when I run. (another reason) I guess I'll be finding out in a few months. Stay tuned!

Do you prefer to run with others, or alone?
Do you try to break your PR with every race? Or just run for the heck of running?

Thomas Jane - A Minimalist Runner

Yes, the Punisher. I wrote a post about his interview on the George Lopez Show. I've noticed that he pronounces the toe shoes wrong. He says 'vigh-brams' instead of 'veebrams'. Just something that stuck out to me.

If not wearing his monkey shoes, he prefers walking in his bare feet.

Pumping gas in bare feet.

Save darfur launch party.

Well here are some other links of him and his Vibrams.

wearing Vibrams

He gets crap for not wearing shoes. (contains video)

Playing guitar barefoot.

Wearing Vibrams at 'Hung' premiere.

Foot Test Went Well

On Saturday as I rolled out of bed I noticed that there was no pain in my foot. Normally I'd feel a bit of pain as I put some pressure on it. But not on Saturday. That was a good sign and lifted my spirits. Yay!

On Sunday, the same thing happened - no pain. Yay!

Come Monday, again no pain. Yay!

So today I decided to walk on the treadmill and see how the foot felt. I've been walking around barefoot in the house, walking in my chucks and sandals outside, so I hope I maintained some of my foot muscles during this recovery period.

I just walked slow and it felt alright. After a few minutes I could feel a tiny bit of soreness so I didn't push it. I continued to walk. Then I started to lift my feet to simulate my running form. Gosh, it was hard to hold back and not run.

Got off the treadmill and did some arm workouts with weights. I'll continue with the 10min walks for the rest of the week to evaluate my foot. Then maybe speed up the walking and get into running. But the rule that keeps kicking me in the 'B' double-O 'T' 'Y' is something I must listen to now.

Start s-l-o-w-l-y.

Oh man, it's been a long time. What? 3 weeks now? Yikes! Yeah, I DO NOT want to go through that again.

At night I am super cautious about walking slow. Many times I do turn on the light because I have this fear of stubbing my toe again. I miss running and I want to get back into the groove. While on the treadmill I can tell that my calves missed their workout too.

I did do a tiny run in my chucks this morning as I was dropping my son off at school. Hey, he made me chase him. What's a mom to do? It felt alright. I considered the act as a baby step.

Turkey Lunch, Dinner and the Aftermath

Hello to all the full bellied shoppers out there. I am avoiding Black Friday by hiding out at home. I'm not one for standing in long lines and crowds. But most of all, I'm not one for spending money as I am quite frugal.

How was everyone's Thanksgiving yesterday?

Did you over eat?

Did you fit in a workout?

Did you watch some football?

Thanksgiving Lunch
As mentioned, the hubby did quite a bit of smoking yesterday. He slept a few hours and then got up at midnight to place the turkeys in the smoker. We got up at 6:30am and he put the tri-tip and ribs in the other smoker. By 1:30 it was time to get our grub on. 

The turkeys came out quite moist, the ribs were falling off the bone and the tri-tip was full of flavor. The sweet potato casserole was as yummie as always. The sweet potato pie from my mother in law got rave reviews as always.  The dressing was a hit. And my dripping-less gravy turned out alright. I used the broth in place of water which I think really helped with the flavor. I'd say it was a success.

 fall of the bone ribs

 moist smoked turkey

 flavorful tri-tip

 group pic

 my lunch plate

Thanksgiving Dinner
As the hubby took the Coasties back to base, me and the little man headed over to my grandparents for a small Turkey Dinner. It had a bit of a filipino twist to it since we had 2 types of rice, stir-fry and lumpia. Mmmmm.

During our dinner conversation, the topic of fitness came up. My son was showing my dad pics from my iPhone4. (yes, this gadget is my 5th limb) It started with a pic from my first 5k. Then a pic of me in my Vibrams in Yosemite. Yeah, my dad is one of those people who does not want to feel anything but cushion under his feet. And, like many, question why I prefer to feel the ground.

I am happy to say that I did squeeze in a bike workout in the morning, and did not over eat. As soon as I felt full, I quit eating. I'm definitely listening to my body more nowadays.


Unfortunately I came down with a cold. Yes, I blame the hubby as most wives normally do. It started to progress throughout the night and I went to bed early on a vacation day. Ugh. I tried to stay in bed as long as possible, but I was home alone with the little man and I knew I couldn't leave him alone for long. Although he's pretty self sufficient, he's just 4. I plan to hop on the recumbent in a bit here, and spend the rest of the day nursing this cold.


I'd love to hear about your holiday feasts. 
My one friend Andy had 35 people over. Yikes! Brave man.
My sis and her boyfriend headed to Sin City.
One of my cousins had a quaint dinner for two.

Giving Thanks

In a few minutes, it will officially be turkey day. I am sad to say that I won't be waking up early to attend the Turkey Trot 5k I signed up for. I am super bummed about that. But in order for me to run again, I must continue to let my foot heal. This experience has taught me patience, and I can't wait to reap the rewards.

On a plus side, Turkey Day will be quite eventful for me this year. We are hosting a lunch at home since my brother in law is in California for Coast Guard training. We're smoking some ribs to feast on, as well as smoking TWO turkeys. I am bringing the other turkey to my grandparents for a Thanksgiving dinner.

DOUBLE the turkeys

2 different homes

TWO gatherings

I have never had a smoked turkey before, so this will definitely be interesting. Dan will be waking up in a few in order to start smoking them. About 30  to 40 minutes per pound. And we have a 18lb and a 19lb turkey. I am SUPER excited to try them out. Only downside is that I won't have the drippings for my gravy. I hope the broth from the neck provides enough flavor.

I know this will be a cheat day for most people. It may even be a cheat weekend. No matter what happens, be sure to get back to the grind come Monday. We've worked SO hard in our fitness journey, that we must continue on that path. So have your dark meat, gravy, potatoes and pie...but just remember that this is just a time to cheat and not to revert to our old unhealthy eating habits.

What's Thanksgiving Day without a word of thanks?

I would like to give thanks to those who motivate me. I read your comments on this blog and on twitter. It helps me stay focused on my goal to a healthier me.

I am thankful for my supportive husband. He doesn't understand the whole barefoot thing, but seems to accept it.

I am thankful for my son who understands that running and exercising is important to me.

I am thankful for the Lord. He has blessed me with this awesome experience we call life.

What are you thankful for?

And how did your turkey come out?

The Barefoot Running Book second edition Book Review

I have wanted to read this book for quite some time, and now there's a second edition. Where have I been? Thanks to Jason, I got the opportunity to read it. I spent my lunch hours at work reading this book. I have a cubical job which does not help with being active during the workday. But reading Jason's book kept me in the running spirits. Yay!

physical aspects of the book
Although the cover of the book is in color, the rest of it is in black and white. I felt that eliminating the use of color in the pictures kept a minimalist tone throughout the book. I believe that minimalism and barefeet definitely go hand in hand.

what I liked about the book
I enjoyed reading about his screw-ups when it came to barefoot running because I think many of us experience them and get disappointed. But it really is a learning experience. Although I did my research, I still pushed myself too hard and ended up with TOFP. There is WAY more to it than just taking your shoes off and going for a run as you normally would. Jason provides a multitude of tips on how to get started right. But the detailed descriptions really helped reveal whether my technique was correct or not. His experiences gave the book a human voice. It definitely was not a scientific article which made the reading enjoyable.

Something else that reminded me that this book was written by a human were the spelling mistakes. OH MY GOSH! Those stuck out like a sore thumb. I would find myself focusing on that misspelled word. I asked myself if this book was even reviewed before being published. Having experience as a software tester and a document reviewer, they caught my eye immediately. After the third misspelling, I did find it humorous and reminded myself that that was just Jason's humor. (which he did mention the book would be full of)

Jason added muscle to this book by including articles from doctors, professors, and other barefoot runners. He definitely bled the social theme of his websites into his book. He doesn't take credit for all of the information, but pulls in resources in addition to his knowledge.

who should read this book
If you want to read about history and a story about barefoot running then you should read Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. I've read it and it is a good read. But if you're ready to begin your journey to becoming a barefoot runner, then get a copy of THIS book. It will provide you with the right steps to running free.

Jake Gyllenhaal - A Minimalist Runner

I just had to share. It's a pretty entertaining video.

Gyllenhaal likes running barefoot. Read the article here.

Yes, This Is Still A Running Blog

I know I haven't been posting my runs lately. Well if you've been reading, that's because I haven't been running at all. It's been over a week since my last (and very short) run. It's annoying and I REALLY miss it. I'll have to start off slowly once again, but I think come after Thanksgiving I'll be able to start.

Current status of my foot is that it's better, but not in running condition. For some reason I have some TOFP on the same foot. The toe no longer seems to be an issue, but now TOFP. Gosh, will this never end? I know Lindsay Knake knows what I'm feeling. Hey, it's happens. I really think it's some delayed onset from running on it that Saturday. I was trying to land on different parts of my foot in order to keep running.

Right now I feel a little squishiness on top here, so something is a bit irritated and swollen. Similar to the feeling I got when I had TOFP on my right foot a couple of months ago. So all I can do is wait it out.

I have been trying to keep my legs in shape by biking outside and using the recumbent bike at home. I keep my foot muscles strong by walking barefoot inside the house, and picking stuff up with my toes. To remain active I am doing cross training. Hopefully all of this will make my transition back to running smooth.

But what's disappointing is that it looks like I won't be able to run my last 5k of the year. It would have been a fun one too. A Turkey Trot. I was even going to dress up.

Has anyone had to miss a race due to an injury? Please share because I'm feeling pretty down about ending my racing calendar this year by not showing up to a race.

Splint, Cross Training and Veteran's Day

Last Night
As soon as I got home I took off my shoes as usual. I was feeling a bit warm so I changed into some shorts and a tank top and walked around barefoot. Mind you, we have pergo and tile at home. My hubby thought I was crazy walking barefoot and dressed in summer clothes since it was cold. It was cold, but it felt great for me.

While at work I continued to prop my leg up. I even massaged my foot using my itty bitty basketball which is the size of a golf ball. I was hoping that the cushioning from my shoes would help, but as I walked around barefoot it felt SO much better than walking in shoes. Darn, did I screw up this healing process? I searched online and found a couple of videos stating that the foot/toes should stay flat. And well, walking barefoot at home, my feet do stay pretty flat.

I found another video of woman who broke her pinky toe hitting it against the bricks surrounding her fireplace. She said there is no need to go see a doctor since they won't do anything anyway. Maybe prescribe some drug for pain, which I personally hate. So she just taped her pinky toe to the toe next to it and just let it heal on its own. Other articles mentioned the same method.

Well my toe isn't broken.

• I can move and wiggle it.
• I can pick things up with my toes.
• And I've felt it and nothing seems out of place.

I think it's still bruised. So I figured I'd try the taping to the next toe and see how that works today. So here it is, taped up with a cardboard splint underneath. Hey, I figured I'd try anything at this point.

This Morning

I woke up early, at 5am. I got on our recumbent bike, picked a workout and did it. I biked 3.5miles. Yesterday I read on John Romaniello's blog that using a recumbent bike can help firm up the glutes. Sweet! I'll let you know if it works for me.

Then I did the last intro phase Turbulence Training workout. Again I incorporated a tip from John Romaniello's blog. He said that during squats, go WIDER. Spread the legs wider. Makes sense, so I did just that while doing prisoner squats. Oh yeah, now I'm psyched to start on the beginner workout this weekend.

And lastly, Happy Veteran's Day! Please take a moment and thank those who have served, or are currently serving. On my mother's side, someone is/was enlisted in every branch of the military except for the Coast Guard. That was complete when I married Dan, as his brother, and his brother's wife have served for 20 years now. And their kids are also in the service. On my father's side, my uncle has served and currently my cousin is serving. I thank them all.

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!!!

What To Do When You Can't Run?

Ah, the weekend is finally here. When I was younger I looked forward to the weekend to party. (I enjoy rockin' out to Loverboy's 80's hit Working For The Weekend) I look forward to the weekend because I have more time to run, workout, and focus on my health. Seeing that I have my last 5k coming up on Thanksgiving morning I was really looking forward to upping my distance by running longer. But as some of you have read on twitter, that wasn't a go today.

Why?
I go to bed later than the rest of my household. Before I go to bed I made it a habit to check on my son and plant a little kiss on his forehead. I did just that one night, but as I was walking out of his room I stubbed my 2nd and/or 3rd toe on his step stool. I hit it quite hard and it stung for a bit. 

Man, that hurt like a ___________ (you fill in the blank)!

I did a quick 10min run on the treadmill on Thursday night, and after the run it did feel a little sore. I wore shoes to work on Friday hoping that some cushioning would help it feel better.

I woke up this morning eager to run. I still felt a little soreness in my foot, but it wasn't bad. I warmed up with some drills at home, slipped on my Vibrams, and took off. There was a bit of dull pain so I continued on. Then the pain started to spread so I tried shifting my weight off the foot as much as possible, and even tried landing more on either side of the foot. Yeah, neither position was working. Darn it! I learned that instead of pushing through the pain I had to stop before it got worse. I ran for about .92 of a mile, then hobbled home with a huge frown of disappointment.

 Have you ever gone biking barefoot?

I was super bummed, but knew I couldn't go any further. After sulking, I decided I would continue with my workout plans today and switched gears to strength training. That did help me feel better. And since I didn't get to run much I went on a bike ride with the fam. That gave me the idea of riding tomorrow since I won't be able to run. I'll still get some activity in, which is better than moping around feeling bad about not running.

So for a good portion of the day I've been RICE'ing my foot. I went grocery shopping and my foot wasn't happy. I was so happy to get home, wrap up my foot with some Arctic Ease and elevate it. Let the RICE'ing continue.

ah - much better now.

What is RICE?
Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation
Read more about it here.


Good thing is that I can actually walk on it. But I am still a bit disappointed that I can't run. Anyone up for biking with me tomorrow?


Note to self: Be sure there is a safe path to walk through at night.